On July 29, 2024, the Oregon Public Utility Commission (the Commission) issued Order No. 24-248 in Docket No. UM 1729 regarding PacifiCorp’s annual update to their standard avoided cost rates for qualifying facilities selling power under the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act.
Oregon Commission Acknowledges Idaho Power’s 2023 IRP
At the July 23, 2024 Public Meeting, the Oregon Public Utility Commission (the Commission) adopting Staff’s recommendation to acknowledge Idaho Power’s 2023 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) in Docket No. LC 84. The Commission recommended acknowledgment, subject to several action plan items and recommendations. This docket involved several rounds of discovery, comments, and Commission Public Meetings. The Commissioned issued Order No. 24-285 acknowledging the IRP on August 26, 2024.
WUTC Approves PacifiCorp-Washington 2023 General Rate Case Settlement
On March 19, 2024, the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (WUTC) approved a multiparty settlement stipulation (Settlement) subject to conditions for PacifiCorp’s multi-year rate plan for electric service in Docket Nos. UE-230172 and UE-210852 (consolidated).
OPUC Adopts New Rules Related to Resource Adequacy
On May 8, 2024, the Oregon Public Utility Commission (Commission) issued Order No. 24-133 in Docket No. AR 660 adopting rules related to resource adequacy requirements for regulated entities in Oregon.
Oregon Commission Adopts New Standard QF Contract for All Utilities
On March 12, 2024, the Oregon Public Utility Commission (Commission) issued Order No. 24-070 in Docket No. UM 2299 related to standard contracts for small qualifying facilities (QF) 10 MW and under. The Commission adopted one new standard contract for all utilities and directed the utilities to file compliance contracts and contracting schedules.
OPUC Adopts New Rules Related to Interconnection
On March 8, 2024, the Oregon Public Utility Commission (Commission) issued Order No. 24-068 in Docket No. AR 659 related to interconnection updates for small generators under Oregon’s community solar program and implementation of the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act, and net metering facilities.
Oregon Commission Approves PGE’s 2023 RFP
At the January 4, 2024 Public Meeting, the Oregon Public Utility Commission (the Oregon Commission) approved Portland General Electric Company’s (PGE) 2023 Request for Proposals (RFP) with several conditions in Docket No. UM 2274. The order approving the RFP was issued on January 12, 2024. PGE’s RFP is expected to be released to the market on January 26, 2024.
Law Review Articles on RTO Governance and eNGO Participation
On November 14, 2023, the Energy Bar Association published two law review articles titled Incorporating Environmental Concerns Into Wholesale Electric Markets: The Impact of Regional Transmission Organization Governance Models on ENGO Participation in Stakeholder Processes (Part I) and Incorporating Environmental Concerns Into Wholesale Electric Markets: Recommendations for Increasing Effective Participation of ENGOS in RTO Governance Stakeholder Processes (Part II) by Mark James, Kevin B. Jones, and Adelaide Hardwick.1
Oregon Commission Approves PacifiCorp’s Waiver of Competitive Bidding Rules for New Schedule 272 Agreements
On August 24, 2023, the Oregon Public Utility Commission (Commission) approved PacifiCorp’s application for a waiver of the Oregon competitive bidding rules (CBRs) to allow PacifiCorp to move forward with two solar purchase power agreements (PPAs) and a related agreement under PacifiCorp’s Schedule 272.
Oregon Commission Adopts Interim Solar+Storage Standard Rate in Docket No. UM 2000
On May 18, 2023, the Oregon Public Utility Commission (Commission) issued an order in Docket No. UM 2000 adopting an interim solar+storage standard avoided cost rate for qualifying facilities. The utilities are required to file the new avoided cost rates by July 31, 2023.